March 19, 2018

The Great Multnomah County Soda Scam

The Coalition for Healthy Kids and Education, a PAC organized to support a tax of 1.5 cents to each ounce of soda in Multnomah County, has decided not to put their measure on the ballot, likely because they realize that it's unlikely to fly.

The tax efforts have been fueled by a campaign funded in part by billionaire ex-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Billionaire John Arnold through advocacy organization, Action Now Initiative has also joined in the Oregon effort. Bloomberg and Arnold put close to $900,000 in the coalition in 2017 to cover costs of signature gathering to put a measure on the ballot.

Even with nearly a million dollars from the rich guys, this is one issue that the tried-and-true cry of "It's For The Children™" doesn't seem able to overcome; this is the second time they've decided not to take it to voters. Which is kind of odd, since Portland/Multnomah County voters have historically fallen for that line every time.

The sugary beverage tax has been posed across local jurisdictions in the nation who are aiming to fund health initiatives and find ways to raise revenues to offset growing health care and pension costs, among other expenses.

Ah, yes: pension costs. Oregon's some $25 billion in unfunded public employee pension liabilities has nothing to do with this. It's all about the Kids and Education.